Category: Fashion
Uber Uterque x
If I have a complaint against the modern life it’s the way technology has made the world spin faster, shrink smaller and generalise everything. Which is why one should dismiss Uterque with a simple flick of a hand: It’s part of the Spanish-rule-the-world Inditex which has chains such as Zara and Pull and Bear in it’s growing claws. Except I like it.
There’s sleek separates, a touch of artisanal cool and even the trend pieces of the season look fresh and modern.
Of course it helps if Caroline de Maigret is your muse.
It’s a salient lesson in not throwing the babes out with the bathwater.
Laters, Kate x
Light up my Life x
Ah! The potent joys of a holiday to Kent, where each time we visit I think I’ve cracked the lack of internet, only to fail miserably again and again..until the only option is to (with natural great regret) down tools entirely and embrace the holiday spirit and a world without computers. Needless to say, it was a walk along the path to bliss! But more on Kent another day..both pre and post trip I’ve been obsessed with the light for our new dining room. Much to my own surprise, having looked at various 1950’s and 70’s lights with their cool drama, I went for this classic flemish brass number. It was the cost shape that made it stand out..over a metre tall and two tiered, like a Christmas tree (imagine decorating with ivy, fir and baubles. Sigh) but it was in a pretty sorry state and covered in a dark varnish much loved in the 1940’s that now just detracted, like a bad fitting nun’s habit from it’s simple lines and austerity appeal.
But how to clean it? Pinterest proved to be a wealth of info and basically there were two options – making a paste with vinegar and baking powder or soaking it in nail varnish remover. Not being sure how much nail varnish remover would be required to fill the bath and dubious about the effect of remover on electric wiring, I opted for the first choice.
The vinegar and baking soda bubbled up beautifully when mixed together and had the additional benefit of the evocative scent of a down town chippie.
It was slathered on and left to simmer gently.
The result? A huge, stinking, smelly mess…and no noticeable change.
Undeterred, Plan B went into action: Cotton wool pads soaked in nail varnish remover and wrapped around the light like a mummy.
It definitely made a difference, but didn’t shift the deeper stains which even elbow grease couldn’t budge.
Returned to instructions…and to give them their due, they did say to use very fine steel wool with the nail varnish remover.
And when I finally got hold of some (slack..always make sure you have required tools before you start) it was like magic..the black literally evaporated away. From this..
To this.
Like Cinders from the ashes, she’s turned into a real beaut! Now I just need to source some of those vintage, edison-like-filament bulbs that have been popping up everywhere..pray they do them in this size…but knowing my luck…they’ll cost more than the light!
Laters, Kate x
Gestuz x
With that something just a little bit special, Gestuz are like an upper class, rich woman’s Zara whilst still remaining within the realms of affordability.
Masters of the clean, cool, contemporary, classic with their pared down, intelligent designs.
Effortlessly creating the wardrobe staples of the future.
I want.
Laters, Kate x
Leaf it..
It’s half term next week..so time to look into crafts for the kids..
I think this might be a little ambitious..
(All pictures from Pinterest)
But painting a snail? Perfect!
Laters, Kate x
Stockwell Green No.203
The building works are coming on, although there’s still a great deal to go (she says as she looses electricity and internet again), but we’re far enough down the line I’ve started to allow myself the infinite pleasure of looking at paint charts and buying sample pots, because paint has that magical ability to turn an ordinary room into the stuff of dreams.
And there are some interesting brands to choose from – take Mylands – the oldest British paint manufacturers still owned (four generations and counting) and managed by it’s founding family who remain the only paint manufacturer still producing paint in London.
The joy of their colours comes from their attached history, and the fact that unlike many other manufacturers, they still use earth pigments in their paints.
Recognise this place? It’s the kitchen from Downton Abbey..with a paint colour I’ve lusted over many a Sunday night.
Empire grey and Amber grey by Mylands no less.
Well, if it’s good enough for Mrs Patmore…
Laters, Kate x
All Wrapped Up x
The mornings are cold now inLondon with a real nip in the air, but come mid-morning and the sun (long may it last) is shining and the temperature picks up. It’s the perfect weather for scarves, which is lucky because this year there seems to be a bumper crop of styles and styling options…there’s the classic navy, a timeless wardrobe staple. Safety has it’s chic place..
Or add a bit of drama with this belted fur option from Marni.
The Burberry blanket is still having it’s moment.
Or your could opt for the scarf that thinks it’s a cape.
A blast from the past, eponymous with the eighties, this scarf is back…with added fringe benefits.
Or maybe it’s the longer wrap that has you tied up.
Is it a jumper or is it a poncho? Or is it something to fling on as you run out the door.
(All pics from Net-a-porter.com)
Or pay homage to the Hunger Games with this interesting knitted number from Stella Mcartney.
The choice is yours.
Laters, Kate x
Stills x
Sometimes it’s the smaller, not-shouty labels that really capture the mood of a season.
Like Dutch label Stills with it’s dedication to craftsmanship, colour and the luxury of contrasts.
There’s volume and artful layers all contained within modern, minimalist lines.
Definitely one to look out for.
Laters, Kate x
Parent’s Graffiti..
Kitten to cat,
Puppy to dog,
Foal to horse
Child to…
Laters, Kate x
Shockingly Shrimp..
How does Shrimp, the fashion label by young London designer, Hannah Weiland, which burst onto the scene in 2013 move on from it’s neon flashing faux fur flying out there outerwear start?
By adding more great, distinctive designs and gently expanding into accessories and ready to wear.
It’s still for the forward thinking customer with a taste for the fun in fashion.
(All pictures from Shrimp)
But sometimes more is more when you’re onto a good thing.
Laters, Kate x
Art Open Evening x
So this is the thing…my lovely weekly Art Class are having two Open Evening studio nights this week on Friday 9th October and Saturday 10th October from 6.00 pm till 8.00 pm at the hut on Wandsworth Common next to the Sky Lark cafe.
And all are welcome! You can come for a wander and a gander at all the work on display..there’s lots.
Or you can even get stuck in and do some drawing like Bella, Charlie and Lily did at our first open evening last week..
(If the ganets let you, there might even be the odd cheesy puff..)
So if you’re in the area and you’ve been meaning to brush up your artistic skills, but keep putting it off…
Come on down..you can even join our weekly class on a Monday from 9.30 am to 11.00 or 11.00 to 12.30..or if the inclination takes you, do the double. It’s seriously one of life’s great joys.
Amanda, our tutor and mentor is amazing and believes anyone can draw.
And despite taking on arts waifs and strays, the quality of the work she inspires is exceptional.
So come in for a browse..or some fancy pencil work..the choice is yours!
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 